Prayers for East Africa
Compassionate God,
while children in East Africa
suffer with hunger and malnutrition,
in desperate need of food,
may we refuse to look away.
Unite us in our desire to help.
While families and animals
in Kenya and Ethiopia
stand thirsty, waiting for rain,
may we stand with them.
Unite us in our wait for justice.
While mothers in South Sudan
walk through swamp water
up to their necks,
may they find the refuge they seek,
and not be forsaken.
Unite us with our sisters’ struggle.
May we do our part,
giving what we can,
lifting them to you
trusting that your
compassion never fails.
Could not he who fed the five thousand
have kept East Africa from famine?
Could not he who healed the Official’s son
have kept malnutrition and hunger away?
Could not he who turned water into wine
have kept drought and dehydration at bay?
Could not he who loudly called ‘come out’
call us all to live, give and respond
believing in life before death!
Open our eyes so we don’t look away,
multiply what we offer so all have enough,
speak words of healing through partners on the ground.
Turn compassion fatigue into compassionate generosity,
and let life in all its fullness flow to overflowing
through all of East Africa.
In your name we pray.